Damian de Allende says ‘lekker challenge’ facing ‘incredible’ Jordie Barrett
· Citizen
Springbok centre Damian de Allende said playing against his All Blacks counterpart Jordie Barrett is a “pleasure” and an incredible experience, and that he is learning much from the player five years his junior.
The two men have been contesting the midfield in a microcosm of the rivalry between the two greatest rugby teams in the world in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Series.
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South Africa lead the series 2-1 after back-to-back wins in Cape Town and Soweto, and hope to secure the series in the fourth and final Test in Baltimore on Saturday (kick-off 11.10pm SAST).
Both inside centres have played the full 80 minutes in all three games so far.
Turning in strong performances
Thirty-four-year-old De Allende made strong carries and tackled well in his 102nd Test for the Springboks in Soweto.
He also bumped a defender off and sent Kurt-Lee Arendse on his way for a try, while once stealing a ball on the ground.
Twenty-nine-year-old Barrett had a decent showing with 11 carries and 14 tackles in his 84th Test for the All Blacks.
A good cross-kick and tackle on Ethan Hooker made up for one or two poor touches and being run over by Pieter-Steph du Toit.
De Allende said he faces quality players in every team, but facing Barrett has been a “lekker challenge”.
“At the start of my career I got to play against Ma’a Nonu, Conrad Smith and Sonny Bill Williams,” said the Bok centre, adding South Africans Frans Steyn, André Esterhuizen and Jan Serfontein were world-class opposition whenever he faced them at franchise level.
Damian de Allende: Jordie Barrett is ‘incredible’
“But at the moment the one guy who stands out for me is Jordie Barrett. I think his skill set is incredible.
“At the moment he’s got the ability to do everything on the field. It’s been a real pleasure playing against him these past few weeks.
“I like to learn a lot on the field, especially playing against opposition. And I feel like I’ve learned a lot playing against Jordie Barrett.”
De Allende said he was sad to hear about outside centre Quin Tupaea’s knee injury.
“I wish him a speedy recovery. Every Test match is tough and this one [series[ has been tough. But it has also been an incredible experience.”